I always grew up, 'the fat kid.' I struggled with my weight my entire life. After getting married to the love of my life in 2006 and accomplishing my lifelong dream of becoming a Police Officer, my weight seemed to spiral out of control, going from about 240 pounds to 330 pounds.

One year ago, I decided to make a change because I was becoming extremely unhealthy. It was getting to the point where I couldn't walk up a flight of steps without sweating and getting completely out of breath.

The thought of me not being able to respond to fellow officers in need frightened me. I feared that because of my weight, I was unable to perform my job to the best of my abilities.

After eating with my family one night, my sister took a picture with me and my niece. She emailed it to me the next day and when I opened it, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe I had let my weight get so out of control.

Click Image To Enlarge.I Couldn't Believe I Had Let MyWeight Get So Out Of Control.

I stared at this picture for about ten straight minutes and then immediately made the decision to make a change. I dieted my whole life and stand by the fact that I have tried every diet in the world.

I would try Atkins, South Beach and the like, usually losing about 50 pounds and then regaining 70 pounds. Failed attempt after failed attempt, I knew something else had to be done. After months of research, I decided the best option for me was to have Gastric Bypass surgery.

Gastric Bypass Sugery:Gastric bypass procedures (GBP) are any of a group of similar operations used to treat morbid obesity-the severe accumulation of excess weight as fatty tissue-and the health problems (comorbidities) it causes. Bariatric surgery is the term encompassing all of the surgical treatments for morbid obesity, not just gastric bypasses, which make up only one class of such operations.

A gastric bypass first divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger, lower "remnant" pouch and then re-arranges the small intestine to allow both pouches to stay connected to it. Surgeons have developed several different ways to reconnect the intestine, thus leading to several different GBP names.

Any GBP leads to a marked reduction in the functional volume of the stomach, accompanied by an altered physiological and psychological response to food. The resulting weight loss, typically dramatic, markedly reduces comorbidities. The long-term mortality rate of gastric bypass patients has been shown to be reduced by up to 40%; however, complications are common and surgery-related death occurs within one month in 2% of patients.

How I Did It

On April 13, 2009 I underwent gastric bypass surgery. It was literally the best decision I ever made! I knew surgery was the only option for me because I tried every diet and nothing ever kept the weight off.

I have always been a fan of bodybuilding and I always knew the right way to eat clean and the perseverance and dedication it took to get the body I had always wanted, but it just seemed impossible.

A few months after surgery, I noticed the weight started to melt off. Seeing was believing for me and although I missed the usual cookies and cake, the weight loss made the life changes that much easier.

Nine months after surgery, I reached my goal of 199 pounds! I haven't weighed less than 200 pounds since elementary school. I want to take this time to thank my family and friends who have stood by me through it all.

I want to especially mention my wife, Sarah and my sister, Eleanor. When most people saw me at 325-plus pounds, they laughed when I said I wanted to be on a bodybuilding stage one day. My wife and sister have always supported the idea and told me they had no doubt I could accomplish my goals.

I'm here to say it has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. I am far from ready to compete, but I hope to get on a stage by the end of 2012! If nothing else, this whole experience has shown me that even on your darkest day, there is hope for everyone!

My story is far from over. I have only begun my transformation. One phrase that has always stuck out to me, although cliché, is, "don't give up on your dreams." Before my surgery, I had the opportunity to meet my favorite bodybuilder, Jay Cutler.

Jay told me to not give up on my dreams when I met him and I took the advice to heart. I used to be the person trolling around on Bodybuilding.com looking at the Transformations of the Week and always saying, "Man, one day I'll be up there." And now I am.

To anyone out there wishing to make a change, just realize that it is possible! I was able to meet my first set of goals with the love and support of my wife, my family and my friends. I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way and I know if I can do it, you can too!

With the help and knowledge on this website and a good support group, you can make your own future. Don't give up on your dreams!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

Click Image To Enlarge.With The Help And Knowledge On This Website And AGood Support Group, You Can Make Your Own Future.

this is so inspirational man, i am on the journey to improving my body also and its been difficult, i was at 340 at my peak and now im at 291, seeing other people that were bigger than me do it gives me motivation and hope to know that i can do it